• Otoplasty - Ear Surgery Abroad
Otoplasty with Prague Beauty
Ears are one of the parts of the body that reach its full
size first; hence this is often a reason why ears can protrude. There are more
names used for ear surgery, for example otoplasty,
pinnaplasty, ear pinning or ear correction. The primary reason
for this surgery is psychological. If you feel uncomfortable with your
protruding ears, pinning them back surgically may be of great help.
The operation lasts for about 1-2 hours and is done in general or local anaesthetics according to the client’s preference. We recommend to choose general anaesthetics as this is more confortable for both the client and the medical staff. The surgeon makes small cuts behind each ear to expose the cartilage. The cartilage is then reshaped and special plastic stitches are used to hold the ear back in its new position. Occasionally, some cartilage may be removed to make this easier. Another option is to fold the cartilage back and use stitches to hold the ear in the desired position.
Finally, stitches are used to close the cuts in the skin. These are usually dissolvable, which means they do not need to be removed, but there may also be some stitches that need removing a few days after the operation.
After the surgery, a tight and bulky bandage is wrapped around the head and over both ears (this is called a headband). It is used to protect the ears and hold them in the new position while they heal. To help the ears to settle in their new positions and to ensure healing, the bulky bandage should be worn for one or two weeks. This may cover the ears and make it more difficult to hear properly.
However, the headband is an essential part of the healing process. The ears may itch as they heal but it is important not to reach under the bandaging to scratch, as this can cause infection or poor healing.
Once this large bandage has been removed, it may be necessary to wear a smaller and lighter headband for another few weeks - most people will need to wear it at nights only, but some clients may be asked to wear it during the day as well. The amount of days the bandaging needs to be worn depends on the exact type of operation that was performed. The surgeon will provide you with his advice before the surgery.
What To Expect After Otoplasty Surgery
After the operation, you will have drains inserted to prevent post operative fluid build up. In addition, the bandages are usually quite restricting. This is necessary to help keep the swelling in cheek. After 36 hours, drains are removed. After 1 week, you will be fitted with sports bra. No underwire’s can be used for 6 weeks. The surgeon may or may not suggest massaging; it depends on the kind of operation performed. Lifting of a heavy load or the arms above the head should be avoided in the first weeks. Within 6-8 weeks, physical fitness regime may be resumed gradually.
The Risks of Otoplasty
Pinnaplasty is a commonly performed and generally safe surgical procedure. For most people, the benefits in terms of improved appearance are greater than any disadvantages. However, in order to provide you with all information, you should be aware of possible risks and complications. Statistically, from 72 people who have underwent ear surgery with us in 2007, only three of them experienced one of the complications shown below - therefore, you do not have to be worried about it, but we would like to be fair and inform you about the possibilities. Specific complications of pinnaplasty are uncommon but can include:
- an infection in the wound that may make the ear swollen and weepy - this would normally be treated with antibiotics and regular dressing changes, but in rare cases further surgery may be needed to drain the infected area
- a blood clot in the skin of the ear, which may dissolve naturally or may need to be drawn out with a needle
- some loss of skin from the area, which may need a later skin graft - this is very rare
- the development of unusually red or raised scars (keloid scars), which some people have a genetic tendency to form
- asymmetrical ear position - in a few cases further surgery may be necessary to readjust the ears
The chance of complications depends on the exact type of procedure that is being performed and other factors such as the person’s general health. The surgeon will be able to explain how the risks apply in each individual case.
Otoplasty Summary
| Otoplasty Summary | |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General or Local |
| Length of surgery | 1-2 hours |
| Total length of stay | 6 days (two nights clinic, four nights private apartment) |
| Discomfort | Mild to moderate. Anticipate sleeping on a raised pillow for several nights and wearing of a headband for the first two weeks after the surgery. It may be more difficult to hear when wearing the headband. |
| Bruising and swelling | Will dissapear within two weeks |
| Bandages | A headband is worn for 2-4 weeks |
| Stitches | Dissolvable (non-dissolvable are used only in some cases and remove before you flight home) |
| Back to work | 1-2 weeks as soon as large bandages are removed |
| Driving | 1-2 weeks (depends on how you will feel) |
| Exercise | May be resumed in 4 weeks, swimming in 2 months |
| Final result | Within 4 weeks and the results are pernament |
Tips and Traps of Otoplasty
- This procedure leaves scars behind ears but they fade over time.
- Initial numbness follows surgery but this subside s within several weeks.
- The fact that you have underwent an ear pinning procedure will be visible for at least 2 weeks after the surgery. If you would like to keep it confidential, take off work for a sufficient amount of time (it could be 2-4 weeks).
Why go for Otoplasty Abroad with Prague Beauty?
With Otoplasty abroad you will save up to 50% of UK prices, and the quality of the cosmetic operation will be the same or even higher.
Our cosmetic surgeons are senior consultants - they are fully accredited in plastic surgery, and are on the specialist register of cosmetic surgeons. They use the latest techniques. We provide excellent post-operative care. Our aim is your comfort - no pain, no sickness. Typically you stay two nights after the surgery at the cosmetic clinic with full medical care (in most clinics you usually have to leave the hospital after one night, even with drains etc.) and full board.
Personalised care. Our care is tailored according to your needs.
You can also take your partner / friend with you.
We will arrange everything for you so that you do not have to worry about anything. All is included in the price (a representative waiting for you at the airport and taking care of you during your whole stay in Prague, accommodation at our beautiful private apartment (an equivalent of a four star hotel), with an English Sky TV in every room, wireless internet and English landline from which you can make phone calls free of charge to any UK/EU landline, breakfasts, all transportation among apartment - clinic - airport, and many more).
The number of happy clients is virtually 100%, and rate of all complications is 0.3% i.e. extremely low.
